Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

 

If you have ever wondered how the Gospel spread outside Jerusalem, we find the answer right here in Acts 8:1 And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the Apostles.

 

Stephen had been stoned to death as Saul watched or perhaps, took part. In either case, the Church was obviously a huge threat to the Jews because we read that the persecution increased dramatically. Every time there is a great move of God, persecution ensues. This is true even to this day.

 

Although Jesus had given them the Great Commission, until this time they stayed together as a group in Jerusalem. It was only due to the persecution of the Jews that they traveled to various places throughout the entire region of Judaea and Samaria.

 

God had a Plan for His Church to be world-wide and Jesus told them about it. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)

 

This was God’s Plan but the Christians of the First Church didn’t willingly do it. Nowhere do we read where a believer said, “Remember what Jesus said? We are supposed to be traveling to other nations sharing the Good News and making disciples.” Instead, they stayed together and remained in Jerusalem where they were comfortable.

 

Nevertheless, God’s Plan would come to pass whether the Christians obeyed Jesus or not. When people ask “Why does God allow His Church to be persecuted?” this might be one answer. It took them being persecuted before they would obey what Jesus told them to do. They watch Stephen be stoned to death. They didn’t want this to happen to them, so they scattered. Perhaps this is what they should have done in the first place. After all, this is what Jesus told them to do.

 

God has a Plan for His Church and every single person. He has a Plan for my life and for your life. Do you know what His Plan is for you? If not, spend time with Him in Prayer and seek that answer. If you do know, I suggest you obey because we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

 

 

God’s Plan is to……….turn the tide……….in this world and He WILL do it.

 

Listening closely for His Plan,         Doreen

 

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